Current Issue of Becker's ASC Review

January/February 2025 Issue of Becker's ASC Review

ON THE COVER

The small wins for physicians inside CMS' 2025 payment schedule
CMS recently released its 2025 physician payment rule, which included a 2.83% cut to physician payments, marking the fifth consecutive year of cuts.

10 predictions for the ASC industry in 2025
A shift toward value-based care, the ongoing consolidation of independent ASCs and an increasing role of AI are three things to look out for in 2025 in the ASC space.

'There's going to be a breaking point': Long-term implications of anesthesia pay cuts
As anesthesia reimbursements continue to sink, many leaders are concerned about the potential ripple effects on patients, physicians and ASCs.

Why this new ASC developer champions physician independence over hospital ownership
Ker Leader Medical, a new ASC development company, is dedicated to preserving physician autonomy and promoting ASC independence.

ASC leadership moves to know in 2024
Here are 15 healthcare leadership moves for ASC leaders and physicians to know in 2024:

4 states with CON changes to watch in 2025
Certificate-of-need laws, which regulate the development of healthcare facilities, have been the subject of controversy in some states where healthcare leaders and legislators view them as stifling competition in the healthcare sector.

The next 5-10 years 'the best time ever' for spine
In early December, New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health became the first system in New York state to offer the Teligen spine surgical system, in a procedure led by Daniel Sciubba, MD, senior vice president of neurosurgery at Northwell and co-executive director of the Northwell Spine Institute based in New Hyde Park, N.Y.

Demystifying GI reimbursement challenges
Gastroenterology billing is inherently complex and demands a strategic approach, especially as many industry leaders report that gastroenterology is disproportionately impacted by pay cuts and restrictive payer practices.

GI's biggest win of 2024
Gastroenterology saw major industry-specific technological advancements in 2024 — especially when it comes to AI.

'A pretty ugly picture': Health systems brace for 2025
Hospitals and health systems reported slow margin improvement in 2024, and Fitch expects similar sluggishness in 2025. While some systems are reporting strong balance sheets, others see big financial headwinds in the coming year.

25 largest health systems' EHR costs
EHRs are among the largest investments health systems will ever make.

ASC MANAGEMENT

The small wins for physicians inside CMS' 2025 payment schedule
CMS recently released its 2025 physician payment rule, which included a 2.83% cut to physician payments, marking the fifth consecutive year of cuts.

St. Luke's to open new outpatient center in 2025
Bethlehem, Pa.-based St. Luke's University Health Network is constructing a new medical center, The Morning Call reported Dec. 26.

ASC leadership moves to know in 2024
Here are 15 healthcare leadership moves for ASC leaders and physicians to know in 2024:

4 states with CON changes to watch in 2025
Certificate-of-need laws, which regulate the development of healthcare facilities, have been the subject of controversy in some states where healthcare leaders and legislators view them as stifling competition in the healthcare sector.

ASCs prepare for the Trump administration: 5 notes
President-elect Donald Trump will take office for the second time in January, and ASC leaders are preparing amid his plans to appoint a swath of new leaders to oversee aspects of the healthcare system.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

10 predictions for the ASC industry in 2025
A shift toward value-based care, the ongoing consolidation of independent ASCs and an increasing role of AI are three things to look out for in 2025 in the ASC space.

'There's going to be a breaking point': Long-term implications of anesthesia pay cuts
As anesthesia reimbursements continue to sink, many leaders are concerned about the potential ripple effects on patients, physicians and ASCs.

'Companies will continue to scheme': 22 leaders on what Anthem BCBS' reversal could mean moving forward
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision on a controversial anesthesia reimbursement policy update — leaving many leaders wondering if this could signal a broader shift. 

ORTHOPEDICS

Spine robot learning curves don't have to be 'wildly steep'
The future of spine robots is headed to automation, but the transition to the technology can be smoother than anticipated, Jason Lowenstein, MD, said.

2 orthopedic centers top 'best ASCs' list
In December, the Leapfrog Group named the top 31 ASCs for 2024, recognizing facilities for safety and recovery standards, fair billing practices, volume and other achievements.

The next 5-10 years 'the best time ever' for spine
In early December, New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health became the first system in New York state to offer the Teligen spine surgical system, in a procedure led by Daniel Sciubba, MD, senior vice president of neurosurgery at Northwell and co-executive director of the Northwell Spine Institute based in New Hyde Park, N.Y.

Michael Boblitz to lead Athens Orthopedic Clinic
Michael Boblitz will lead Athens (Ga.) Orthopedic Clinic starting Feb. 3, according to a Dec. 18 email shared with Becker's.

Dr. Rajan Bhatt named CEO of OrthoArizona
Rajan Bhatt, MD, was named CEO of Phoenix-based OrthoArizona, according to a Dec. 19 news release.

GASTROENTROLOGY

Demystifying GI reimbursement challenges
Gastroenterology billing is inherently complex and demands a strategic approach, especially as many industry leaders report that gastroenterology is disproportionately impacted by pay cuts and restrictive payer practices.

US Digestive Health adds 19 providers
Exton, Pa.-based US Digestive Health has added 19 advanced practice providers to its network of specialists.

GI's biggest win of 2024
Gastroenterology saw major industry-specific technological advancements in 2024 — especially when it comes to AI.

The 6 best endoscopy centers of 2024: Leapfrog
The Leapfrog Group has named the top 31 ASCs for 2024, including six endoscopy centers.

Montrose Regional Health adds city's 1st gastroenterologist
Montrose (Colo.) Regional Health has added the city's first gastroenterologist, Michael Paolucci, MD, according to a Dec. 18 report from Western Slope Now.

TRANSACTIONS

Ascension's $375M sale of 9 hospitals, 2 ASCs approved
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved a landmark transaction for Ascension to sell nine hospitals and two ASCs to Prime Healthcare for $375 million.

HCA's massive workforce in 5 numbers
Here are five key stats to know about Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare's workforce:

5 largest ASC chains by number of physicians
Tenet Healthcare's United Surgical Partners International is the largest ASC chain in the country by number of physicians.

Optum's SCA Health acquires OrthoAlliance
Deerfield, Ill.-based SCA Health, Optum's ASC arm, has acquired OrthoAlliance, a spokesperson for the orthopedic management services organization confirmed to Becker's.

California medical office building sells for $16M
A medical office building in Burbank, Calif., has sold for $16 million, according to a Dec. 12 report from LA Business First.

HEALTHCARE NEWS

The next health system C-suite obsession
Health system executives spent the last few years building financial stability after the pandemic and adjusting to workforce shifts. Those areas will remain important in 2025, but a new obsession for C-suite executives is emerging. Or, more accurately, re-emerging.

Hospital charges spike post-merger
Consolidation in healthcare pushes up charges without improving quality of care, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

How health systems can 'close the gap' in Medicare Advantage
As a leader who has navigated both sides of the healthcare equation — payer and provider — Prime Healthcare CFO Steve Aleman brings a unique perspective to one of the most pressing challenges facing health systems today: closing the reimbursement gap in Medicare Advantage.

'A pretty ugly picture': Health systems brace for 2025
Hospitals and health systems reported slow margin improvement in 2024, and Fitch expects similar sluggishness in 2025. While some systems are reporting strong balance sheets, others see big financial headwinds in the coming year.

25 largest health systems' EHR costs
EHRs are among the largest investments health systems will ever make.

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